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Updated: March 01, 2025

.EML File Extension

There is only one filetype that uses .EML file extension and it is Electronic Mail (E-Mail Message).

Electronic Mail (E-Mail Message)

File category: Text Files
Developer: Microsoft
Open with: Microsoft Outlook (+6 more)
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

An EML file is an email message saved in a standard format used by many email programs. It typically contains the main content of the email, including the subject, sender, recipient(s), and the date the message was sent. EML files can also include attachments, which are additional files sent along with the email. EML stands for "Electronic Mail". The EML format became widely used because of its compatibility across various operating systems and email applications.

The EML format was introduced in the early 1980s as part of the ARPA standards under RFC 822. This standard replaced the earlier RFC 733 and established rules for electronic message formatting. In 2001, it was updated to RFC 2822 and later to RFC 5322 to improve compatibility and functionality. Microsoft adopted this format for Outlook Express, and it has since become a widely accepted way to store and share email messages.

How to Open .EML as Electronic Mail (E-Mail Message)

You can open EML files with most email applications, including:

  • Microsoft Outlook (Windows)
  • Apple Mail (macOS)
  • Mozilla Thunderbird (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Some web browsers, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, can also open EML files if you change the file extension to .mht. This works because EML files are formatted similarly to MHTML files. Additionally, you can open EML files using plain text editors like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS), but these will only display the raw message content without proper formatting.

How to Convert an EML File

Many email clients allow you to save messages as EML files:

  • Microsoft Outlook: Open the email, click File > Save As and choose the EML format.
  • Apple Mail: Open the message, select File > Save As... and choose Raw Message Source.

You can also convert EML files to other formats using email programs. For example, Microsoft Outlook can convert EML files to MSG (Outlook Message Format) or PDF. Apple Mail can save EML files as RTF (Rich Text Format), TXT (Plain Text), or PDF.

Applications That Open EML Files

Windows Apps for EML Files:

macOS Apps for EML Files:

Linux Apps for EML Files:

iOS Apps for EML Files:

Android Apps for EML Files:

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